The Struggle of Black Farmers in the Face of Historical Bias and Climate Challenges
Today, the United States is home to approximately 40,000 Black farmers, representing less than 2% of all farmers nationwide. This is a significant decline from the early 20th century when Black farmers operated one in every seven farms, totaling over 900,000. The stark reduction in these numbers can be traced back to systemic discrimination by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and biased agricultural policies. These policies have historically hindered Black farmers from building wealth, resulting in them earning only about half as much income as their white counterparts. Additionally, Black farmers face ongoing threats of land loss due to both longstanding and emerging challenges, including those posed by climate change. As we rely on agriculture to help achieve our climate objectives, it is imperative to address these historical injustices to ensure a fair and resilient agricultural future.
Confronting Historic Injustices and the Broken Promise of Land
The history of Black farming in America is marred by broken promises and exclusion. On January 16, 1865, General William T. Sherman’s Field Order 15 promised approximately 400,000 acres of land to formerly enslaved people, which equates to about 40 acres per family. This initiative, famously known as the “40 acres and a mule” promise, is estimated today to be worth around $2.6 trillion. However, the promise was never fulfilled due to its revocation by President Andrew Johnson, a decision that significantly hindered economic and political progress for Black individuals during Reconstruction. The ensuing policies not only relegated many Black farmers to poverty through sharecropping but also excluded them from benefiting from New Deal programs and other federal aids. The continued exclusion and coerced land abandonment contributed to a loss valued at an additional $326 billion, exacerbating the economic disparities that persist today.
Legal and Systemic Challenges Leading to Land Loss
A significant issue for Black farmers is the prevalence of heirs’ property, which allows land to be passed down informally without clear legal title. This situation complicates access to USDA programs, loans, and insurance, leaving the land vulnerable to predatory acquisitions. Currently, heirs’ property constitutes up to 40% of land owned by Black farmers and is a leading cause of involuntary land loss among them. Legislation like Senator Cory Booker’s Justice for Black Farmers Act seeks to mitigate these challenges by simplifying the process for obtaining farm numbers, funding mediation for legal disputes, and providing land grants to foster new generations of Black farmers.
Supporting Black Farmers and Addressing Climate Challenges
Beyond rectifying past injustices, proactive measures are needed to prepare Black farmers for future challenges, particularly those related to climate change. The rich agricultural knowledge and history of Black farmers should be leveraged within climate change mitigation strategies. Enhancing funding for climate research at minority-serving institutions and supporting the 1890 Land Grant Institutions—historically underfunded Black universities—are crucial steps in this direction. By addressing the funding disparities and investing in research and development, these institutions can play a pivotal role in equipping Black farmers to handle extreme weather conditions and contribute effectively to national food security.
The legacy of Black farmers in America is marked by resilience against a backdrop of unfulfilled promises and exploitation. As disparities continue to exist, it is essential to honor and reinforce the significant contributions of Black farmers to the agricultural sector. This can be achieved through legislative support and by ensuring that the USDA upholds commitments to these communities, thus recognizing their enduring impact on America’s agricultural landscape.